Austin, TX- Concordia University Texas men's basketball never got anything going in their favor as they fell to Howard Payne University, 89-68 Thursday night at the Fieldhouse. The loss drops Concordia to 9-15 overall and 8-12 in American Southwest Conference (ASC) action. The victory for the Yellow Jackets improves them to 7-17 and 7-13 ASC. 

The Tornados came out needing a victory to clinch as spot in the ASC Tournament, but Howard Payne proved to be too much. The Yellow Jackets took a 15 point lead going into halftime. 

Concordia had a big momentum boost as senior Quinton Black grabbed a rebound and forcefully dunked it giving the Tornados a five point lead. Unfortunately it was not enough as the Yellow Jackets went on an 8-0 run. 

Concordia finished with only two players in double-digits including Joel McDonald who finished 6-10 from beyond the arc for a total of 18 points. Junior Brad Walker added 14 points in the loss. 

Howard Payne was led by Tom Hermann with 23 points and 9 rebounds. 

As a team, Concordia shot 39 percent from the field and was outrebounded by the Yellow Jackets 50-30 which included 17 HPU offensive rebounds. The Tornados were 7-22 from the free throw line. 

Concordia will be back in action on Saturday to take on Sul Ross State University at the Fieldhouse. The match up will determine a position in the American Southwest Conference Tournament. Opening tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 pm due to Senior Day festivities.